We have a gas dryer, which doesn't cost much to use. With just the two of us, we don't generate a lot of laundry, anyway.

Sorry I can't help you with clothesline tips, but I just wanted to say that you shouldn't use fabric softener for towels because it reduces the absorbency of the towels. But, you should put some white vinegar in the final rinse water, because that helps to get out the excess soap that's in the towels. That will help make them softer. If your washing machine has an automatic dispenser for fabric softener, just make sure it's clean and then put the white vinegar in there as if it were fabric softener. And, no, it won't make your towels smell like vinegar.

Yah, I wish mine was gas. Gas is pretty cheap here. But I'm stuck with electric.

My towels are wonderfully soft when using the dryer without vinegar or fabric softener, but I will use a Bounce dryer sheet even though some people hate them or say they cause dryer damage.

I suggest you post your request in Laundry Room forum. Those folks know!

I run my towels in the dryer for 15 minutes, then dry the rest on the clothesline. For some reason, they're not as rough/wrinkly that way. Works well for jeans, too.

My mom used as clothesline, and I still do occasionally. I have a gas drier, and with cloudy wet winters here and only one and a half people in the house, it does the majority of the drying. I do however dry the towels on the line. I have no problem with the 'crunchy', in fact I like it. In winter when temps and humidity are low, and in summer when temps are high, line dried clothes have a fragrance no drier can match IMHO. Of course there is the bug and bird issue...

Soap residue may contribute to stiffness. If that's the case, an extra rinse or slightly less detergent may help.

Breezing, windy, days give me the best results both in softness and drying time. For indoors, maybe 10 minutes in the dryer to fluff before hanging would help.

We used a clothesline growing up. I used one when first married. Now the allergies are so bad (it doesn't help to live with the woods in your backyard) I don't hang anything out.

I agree with Summer, residue will make clothes stiffer, more rough.

Vinegar will not remove detergent residue, it will however neutralize it if enough is used. Professional laundry services do what is called a Sour Rinse using an acidic product, more acidic than vinegar. Its done to neutralize detergent residue and restore proper PH. This is done for several reasons. 1 if the clothing has residue left it will be rough and scratchy and could cause skin irritation, 2.. if residue hasn't been neutralized when the clothing Is exposed to heat from a dryer or iron press it can cause yellowing. I know a lot of mommy blogs sing the praises of vinegar removing residue, but in fact what it does is neutralize it.

I tried to use only the clothesline for an entire summer. The towels are the deal breaker. I ended up putting them in the dryer while slightly damp to finish. I got used to crisp shirts and stiff jeans. The sheet were fabulous. Just like I remember them from childhood with that sweet fresh smell. Birds and the lawn mower were my enemies.

Yah, I gotta get my electric bill under control. Since I'm on disability, I'm home almost 24/7 so that has increased my usage.

I was using a space heater in my garage when I smoked because it's always freezing in there & I won't smoke in the house. But now I'm 1 month & 2 days without smoking. The power company told me that space heaters cost a lot to run so that will be a savings.

Now to cut back on the clothes dryer!

Have a clothes rack! Not to save on my electric bill, but cause I love the fresh air smell.

Congratulations on the 1 month & 2 days of being smoke free! !

I often use an outdoor clothesline because I love the smell sheets and towels have when dried outdoors. No fabric softener, dryer sheet, or anything else can duplicate that, or even come close. And most of the time, the wind here is strong enough that 'crustiness' or stiffness, is not a factor.

Have you tried putting your line dried towels into your drier for just a few minutes on the no heat, fluff dry setting? That would probably solve the problem. Also, consider the fiber content of your towels. Mine are all 100% cotton. And I use a small amount of fabric softener in the final rinse. Have never had a problem with them not absorbing water when I do that. Towels I've had in the past that weren't 100% cotton just didn't seem to absorb water very well, no matter what I did. So now it's all cotton, and only all cotton!

Rusty

I'll have to try that Rusty.

I have a clothesline outside but when I bring my things in, they smell. Must by my city air and no wind. My neighbors also smoke outside so the smoke blows in my clothes.

I absolutely never put my clothes in the dryer unless there is a pervasive rain storm. I love hanging clothes outside and have for many decades. Early in my married life I didn't gave a dryer but have had one now for many years and months go by when I don't use it. In the dead of winter, I hang stuff out and run socks thru the dryer. I HATE towels in the dryer. Even if they don't dry on the line thoroughly I hang them in the bath room and they're dry by late night when I want them. I used to use fabric softener and now wouldn't touch the stuff. Hate soft nonabsorbent clothes and love sleeping on sheets right off the line.

When my dad finally invested in a dryer for our family way back in the late 50's, it was the soft towels that came from the dryer that really sold me on it. Loved what the dryer did to the towels. I also loved that I could dry laundry so quickly and in any weather.

I don't use a clothesline outside but I do use a drying rack I have mounted on the wall and have a fold-up one I use when I have a lot to dry. When I had a washing machine repair guy come out to service my HE machine a few years ago, he told me to be careful and not use too much detergent. He said I could cut the amount recommended in half and be fine for most loads. So we did and can't tell a difference. The only time I add a bit more is if I'm washing something really grubby like our outdoor work clothes in summer.

I air dry most of my clothes except socks, t-shirts I don't much care about and a few other items. I air dry my running wear, jeans, and most of my other clothing that isn't dry cleaned. I do dry towels and sheets in the dryer. The cost of our electricity is very low compared to some parts of the country.

Before hanging an item, hold by two corners on one side, and SNAP it vigorously in the air (so it makes a snapping noise). This tends to reduce wrinkles and make it dry softer, less stiff. But if a lot of your clothes dry stiff it does sound like you've got residue and should cut down on the amount of detergent or other products. Which will also save you money, so it's win-win! Or is the drain in your washer partially clogged so things aren't rinsing as well as they should?

Those towels might dry stiff the first few times, but then not as they get older, so maybe that's the tactic -- in the dryer when they're new, and then later on the line. Or the tactic of fluffing towels for a few minutes in the machine is also okay.

I too, only use the dryer when there's persistent rainy weather, or occasionally on towels to make them fluffy. I think my clothes last a lot longer when they are kept out of the tumble dryer.

Yes my towels are old. I don't like new towels. They won't absorb water. I have 2 sets of new towels in my bathroom hanging that are for decoration only. I like the old run in ones.

But nothing comes out of my dryer crusty. Nice & soft. We'll see how it goes tho.

I put sheets and towels in the dryer, but all of my clothing are hung on hangers and dried indoors on collapsible drying racks similar to THESE. I don't notice any of my clothes being stiff or crunchy. I set the racks up in the bathroom when needed, then store the collapsed racks in the closet.

I dry everything in the dryer for just a few minutes, five or ten, and then hang them out. No stiffness that way.

I don't like the way clothes feel or smell when they are dried outside. I have allergies and my opinion may be related to that. I do air dry certain items indoors by hanging them on the back of the dining room chairs. Doesn't look pretty, but it gets the job done.

Most of my clothes I dry for only 5 to 10 minutes in the dryer--then I hang up on hangers and place in an empty closet to air dry. When dry, I move to their appropriate rooms. Towels, sheets, socks and the unmentionables all go through the dryer the whole way.

Scott, it's true, new towels don't absorb very well until you've washed them a couple of times. But I also read recently that you should replace your towels every few years. I just bought some new ones (we had the bathroom repainted and the old ones were beginning to look shabby). Found some in a color I liked at Target and they are wonderful, both in size and in feel. It only took 1-2 washings and they feel so soft and are so absorbent. I may go back and buy more when they have the next sale before they are gone. I believe they have them online also.

Scott make sure your buying 100% cotton and wash them a few times to remove the chemicals manufactures like to spray on our bath and bed linens. Remember that boatload of kitchen towels you had Amazon ship to me..100% cotton but after the first wash they didn't absorb well, after a few more they are perfect.

Bath towels that are terry can be rather stiff off the line. I like to toss them in the dryer first for 10 minutes than hang to dry, but with my 9 year olds allergies to pollen I rarely line dry. I do indoor line dry on a pop up line for most dress clothes or casual dress along with all sportswear.

I must be the only one who likes stiff towels. I only get them by hanging on the line. They are super absorbent. I just hate soft fluffy towels that don't absorb. It snowed last night but peaks of sun are coming thru and I have a wash in that I will hang out even in this muck. Smalls will go in the dryer.

Lilly. I find that my soft fluffy towels absorb a lot better than stiff ones.

I hang clothing outside, or in the basement if the weather is bad, but I prefer to machine-dry towels. Save them up for a load.

Undergarments I dry indoors on a rack.

I'm going to try the 3/4 hang & 1/4 dryer trick so they're not crunchy. Good idea!

Most of my full loads take 45 minutes to dry fully. If I can cut that down to 15 minutes, that will save a little money.

My sheets dry super fast, but towels, jeans & t-shirts do take awhile.

I have two racks for setting up indoors, and a clothesline outside. I have no complaints about the towels, except from my grand daughter.

ps. I don't own a dryer.

My towels are so old they are probably burlap. But they're my favorites.

I've always liked sun dried sheets but cannot do it in this area. Too many insects, birds, pollen, and airborne dust from the red clay soil.

I hang all of my clothes, then damp dry in the dryer with a dryer sheet for a few minutes to get that soft feeling. Dry the sheets and towels in the dryer completely.

I've never used fluff cycle either.

I hate fluff. Like stiff clothes and towels and sheets.

Elizabeth and Scott, yes, the fluff cycle with no heat works to soften. At least is does for me, it's what I use on the rare occasion there isn't much wind on a day that I line dry my towels.

Sort of off topic, but Scott, do you use a dishwasher? You can save quite a bit of electricity by not using the heated dry cycle, also by running it overnight, or late at night, when electric usage and rates are generally lower.

Rusty

Do you live alone? (Besides the 4-footers) You might be surprised how little it actually costs to run the dryer. And yes, space heaters take a LOT of electricity. I was reminded a month ago when the furnace died and I had to use electric heaters to keep the house warm.

Big savings come from cutting the biggest users of electricity. It made a huge difference for me to convert to CFLs about 20 years ago and now I'm augmenting with LED. And a big savings comes from turning out lights that aren't used, turning off appliances that aren't used (TVs, computers, etc) and even the wall warts have vampire loads that will add up.

Personally, I won't give up the dryer. I worked a lot of years to get what I have and I feel I deserve a couple creature comforts. I skimped and saved to get what I have and now I'm going to enjoy it and reap the benefits of my hard work. I economize in a number of ways and this gives me the opportunity to not have to suffer on the occasional creature comfort. Cut waste, food waste is expensive. Stock up on sale for consumables. If you find a bargain on toilet paper, it won't spoil and you know you're going to have to buy it so save the money by a little investment. Get rid of cable TV. Cut down on needless driving - combine trips. Watch impulse purchases. There's a number of cost cutting measures. I use a prepaid cell phone (costs about $2/mo). Just some ways so you could have soft towels and watch your budget.

Yes, just me & the dogs. My bulbs are all CFL's. I'm going to try doing dishes by hand & save on the dishwasher too.

A couple days ago I unplugged everything I don't use much & put everything else on power strips and keep them off. No more vampire suckers here!

We'll see! Any savings will help.

I have a gas dryer and dry all my towels, sheets, undergarments and such. But all my clothes I hang dry in my basement, but once they are dry or 90% dry I throw them in the dryer for just a few minutes to soften them and make sure there completely dry. I find this helps lessen the wear on clothes then having to always dry them in the dryer.

Actually depending on how you wash dishes the dishwashers today use less energy and water than hand washing. There are only 2 of us so I only run the dishwasher every other day sometimes. But I wash everything that can go in there so it fills up. The only items I hand wash are aluminum baking sheets and I wipe out the cast iron.

Can't help with the line drying. Far too dusty here for that. The garage is DH's workshop so there is always some odor of oil or solvent etc. out there. One of the reasons I covet the indoor laundry on our to do list.

Like Cynic after years of doing without, running a tight household budget and cutting out so many things I feel that this is the time of my life to put a little quality into my life. I have earned the right to good lighting, keeping warm and appliances to make my life easier. I don't waste energy. I turn off lights when I leave the room (incandescent) and we don't have TV or even radios on unless we are actually watching or listening.

My hot water is gas & gas is cheaper than electric here. Water is cheap too. So it's more affordable to hand wash, even though I don't like it.

I do cook or bake a few times a week. Since I'm on permanent disability I'm home 24/7 so that has increased electric since I'm always here & the TV is always on.

I'm just going to try all these things and see if my electric bill goes down.

Just bought some LED bulbs to replace the CFL's. Found a great deal for 6 bulbs on Amazon.

Because of the time change, my family room, kitchen, basement/laundry room lights are on for 8 hours since I'm up and going by 1am. I like all my chores done by 6am.

That is so early. What time do you go to bed? I don't have that many lights on at one time. Some are night lights unless it's the room I'm using like the kitchen.

Scott, I literally haven't used a dryer, ever in 10 years. I make home-made laundry detergent and our clothes are never stiff and hard, hanging out on the line, or even inside.

I use the line when the snow melts, and racks out on the balcony (we love frozen clothes) or inside. Our towels are fluffy and t shirts as soft as anything.

I think you're using too much detergent which can cause stiffness.

Ontario has high hydro rates and huge delivery charges and I really watch how I use electricity. The tv is on a power bar and the bar is turned off when we're done. Our lights are LED and are turned off as soon as we leave the room. The oven I only use on weekends, and even so, I bought a Wolfgang Puck countertop oven and we use it far more than the large oven. The coffee maker is unplugged because I don't need the clock, as we don't use the timer.

I go to bed at 7pm.

Yesterday I found a solution for my towels. I let them hang dry until they were 90% done. Then put them in the dryer on low heat for 5 minutes to finish them off & re-hung them.

They're not 100% soft & fluffy but I can definitely get buy with this. Running the dryer 5 minutes a week on low shouldn't break the bank.

My sheets & blankets dried perfect on the line, no issues. My 100% cotton t-shirts are stiff as a board though.

Beleive me. I'm 100% power conscious now after receiving that letter saying I'm using 87% more electric than all my neighbors. Done with that mess!!!

I love my older towels because they either never had the chemicals that appear to make towels "soft", or I've finally gotten rid of it. It makes me so mad that they fool with perfectly fine 100% cotton. Lately I've been buying organic ones on Amazon so I don't have to deal with it.

My 100% cotton t-shirts are stiff as a board though. Remember when starch was used to give clothes that stiff, crisp look? I don't think shirts were stiff back then without starch. This leads me suspect the formula of detergents used today is at least partially responsible.